2019 Evacuation Exercise

The City of Puyallup and the Puyallup School District (PSD) have together coordinated a large-scale evacuation exercise of schools and other public facilities located in the lahar impact area. The exercise will take place on May 17, 2019.

This exercise was designed to test and improve the City’s and the PSD’s abilities to evacuate students and staff in the event of an incoming lahar from Mount Rainier. All plans and procedures emphasize the safety of the 8,000 students and staff who will participate.

During the exercise, the City's Emergency Operations Center will be activated to assure the safe movement of students and staff from 20 facilities, receive communications from the field, and coordinate resources with multiple partners. All exercise activities will be documented and evaluated to determine if any plans warrant modification and to address any issues of concern as they relate to an actual lahar.

Exercise Objectives

1. Provide for the safety and accountability of all participants and responders throughout the drill.

2. Evacuate all participating Puyallup School District and private schools, including students and staff, as well as and City of Puyallup staff on foot to their designated assembly areas.

3. Maintain traffic control and safe travels for all students, school staff and participating City of Puyallup staff.